Tianjin (TDI): Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire with India but warned that the normalization of military aggression and coercive tactics could jeopardize regional peace.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for a renewed focus on diplomacy and dialogue in South Asia, while cautioning against “strategic recklessness” from any country in the region.
“Pakistan remains firmly committed to the ceasefire agreement and to fostering a stable regional balance,” Dar said. “But we cannot accept that the arbitrary use of force becomes an accepted norm in statecraft.”
“Conflicts must be resolved through talks, not bullets,” he said. “We urge India to return to the table, to engage seriously, and to respect the agreements both countries have already signed.”
He further emphasized that Pakistan had demonstrated restraint in the face of provocation, choosing to respond with responsibility rather than retaliation.
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“The events since April reaffirm a fundamental truth of South Asian geopolitics,” he said. “Unresolved disputes, particularly those with deep historical roots, must be settled peacefully and fairly if we are to achieve lasting peace.”
Dar said Pakistan sees the SCO as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, cooperation, and shared prosperity in the region. “At a time when the international system is under stress, the SCO’s inclusive approach and commitment to sovereign equality present an alternative to aggression and zero-sum rivalries,” he told fellow ministers.
He reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the SCO’s guiding principles, including respect for sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, and collective security. “We remain committed to the UN Charter and international law,” he added.
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Pakistan, he said, also supports SCO reforms that modernize its security and development structures. “The creation of four new centers within the organization is a welcome step towards coordinated responses to emerging challenges.”
Dar also addressed the growing threat of terrorism, calling it a global menace that must be tackled collectively. “All forms of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism, must be condemned unequivocally,” he said. “We must reject its use for political purposes and work together to address the root causes.”
Turning to Afghanistan, he stressed the importance of peace in the neighboring country for regional stability. He called for the revival of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group as a vehicle for practical, outcome-oriented engagement.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
